Emmy-nominated actress Sydney Sweeney has revealed the extreme physical toll she endured while portraying legendary boxer Christy Martin in her new biographical film, Christy. The 28-year-old star disclosed that her commitment to authenticity led to genuine injuries including a concussion and bloody nose during production.
No Acting Required: Real Punches Thrown
In a recent interview with The Sun, the Washington-born actress explained that she insisted on realism from the very beginning. "When I walked in and I met with everyone, I said, 'I want you to hit me. And I want you to hit me hard. And can I hit you?'" Sweeney revealed about her approach to the fight scenes.
The Euphoria star emphasised that every physical confrontation viewers will see in the film is genuine. "The girls and all the fights you see are real," she stated unequivocally. "When you watch all those fights, we're actually hitting each other. We were knocking each other out, we were getting bloody noses. I got [a] concussion. We were actually fighting."
Tribute to a Boxing Legend
Sweeney took to Instagram over the weekend to share behind-the-scenes moments from the production with her 25.4 million followers. In her emotional post, she described the profound impact making the film had on her, saying the experience "will stay in [her] heart forever."
The actress paid tribute to the real Christy Martin, who she said inspired everyone involved in the project "to step into our power." She elaborated: "Her story made us fight harder for ourselves and for every woman who has ever been silenced. This film was painful, joyful, resilient, beautiful, it was everything."
Sweeney also expressed deep gratitude towards director David Michôd, known for films including War Machine and Animal Kingdom, thanking him for believing in her and noting she "will never forget the way it changed" her.
Costar Chemistry and Real Risks
The actress reserved special praise for her co-star Katy O'Brian, 36, who portrays fellow boxer Lisa Holewyne in the film. "Katy is a badass," Sweeney declared. "I mean, she is strong. Katy's only request was, 'Please don't break my nose.'"
The film explores the remarkable career of Christy Martin, who made history as Don King's first-ever female client. Martin gained national recognition in March 1996 when she captured the World Boxing Council women's lightweight championship in a bloody Las Vegas bout against Deirdre Gogarty.
The boxer, nicknamed The Coalminer's Daughter, appeared on the undercard of the infamous 1997 fight where Mike Tyson bit Evander Holyfield's ear. She holds the distinction of being the only female boxer ever featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine.
According to BoxRec, Martin's professional record stands at an impressive 49-7-3, with 31 career knockouts. Her final fight was a 2012 loss to Mia St. John after a career that included a high-profile 2003 bout against Laila Ali, daughter of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, where Ali knocked her out.
The independent studio Black Bear is distributing the film, with production having commenced in the United States this past autumn. This isn't the first time Martin's life has attracted cinematic interest - actress Amy Schumer was linked to a project about the boxer back in April 2018.
